The current research examined the impact of general insecurity beyond specific domains on mental health, and
optimism as the proposed mechanism explaining the aforementioned relationship. We also tested external attribution
as a possible moderator. We collected data (N = 219) in two waves. Results showed that general insecurity
is negatively associated with mental health, and this relationship was mediated by optimism. Moreover, the
external attribution buffered the aforementioned impacts, playing a role of internal resources and an effective
coping strategy to protect psychological resources and mental health